The Minimum Income Guarantee – changing the higher age threshold

We’re proposing to increase the age at which borough residents qualify for the highest level of what’s called the Minimum Income Guarantee.

The proposal, if introduced, would bring us in line with most other councils and with national, statutory guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care.

We want to hear your views. If it increased, some borough residents, who receive care in the community arranged by us, may need to start contributing more towards its cost.

We’re consulting with you to better understand the impact for residents who would potentially be affected.

If the proposal was introduced, the age the highest level of the Minimum Income Guarantee applies for borough residents would increase from 60 to 66, in line with the state pension age.

The potential impact would be different for every resident. It would depend on their age, income and circumstances.

Borough residents aged 60 or over currently qualify for the highest level of the Minimum Income Guarantee, a minimum amount of money they must legally be left with to live on each week – excluding any contribution to their care costs.

That minimum amount is decided by Government. Someone cannot be asked to pay for care in the community, if it reduces their weekly income below that level.